OUR PROGRAMME INCLUDES ... Business support has increasingly become an important activity for DCT. Whether it is supporting a community to take ownership of their village shop or local pub, or supporting a local entrepreneur who has a great idea for a new social enterprise or business. Our range of business support includes:
OBJECTIVE COMMUNITIES BECOME ECONOMICALLY STRONGER
Social and community business advice
59
YOUNG PEOPLE PROVIDED WITH ACCESS TO WORK/ VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE
103
38
RURAL BUSINESSES SUPPORTED TO START UP/GROW
91
VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS
Enterprise start up and small business support
Now in its second year with funding from the Prince’s Countryside Fund this service provides a business startup and growth package for small rural businesses and provides a peer support network and launch pad events for individual entrepreneurs, community enterprises and rural businesses. Over 300 businesses are signed up.
Empowering Enterprise
EMPLOYERS/ VOLUNTARY GROUPS WILLING TO OFFER PLACEMENTS
ADVICE ON SMART METERS TO
In rural areas, gaps in services often create an opportunity for communities to develop a business to provide a vital service and also contribute to local society. Devon Communities Together helps such enterprises, e.g community shops and pubs, to start up and grow.
Young people are a vital part of the rural economy but some young people need extra support to find employment. DCT is working with local businesses and other partners to help these young people to identify their interests and motivations, and match them with a volunteering or job placement opportunity. The great news is that this is leading to job offers and training opportunities.
Enterprise Coaching: New Start Devon
During 2018/19 we have been working with YTKO on an exciting new European Regional Development Fund programme called New Start Devon that will empower individuals, mainly from the more deprived and disadvantaged areas of Devon, and those underrepresented in enterprise, to develop self-employment opportunities, and start and sustain micro and small businesses, including social enterprises. With a business coach now in place, the programme launches in early 2019.
OTHER CONTRIBUTING ACTIVITIES Influencing development through neighbourhood planning Tackling fuel poverty Wide range of training opportunities Enabling affordable housing Constructing Futures Devon